A dark horse from an important state in the presidential primaries announced on Thursday he was planning to test the waters for running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., announced he had formed the Security Through Strength PAC as he explores running for president. Earlier this month, Grahams close ally U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said he hoped Graham would make a presidential bid.
I have established a political organization to test the waters for a potential 2016 run for president," Graham announced on Thursday. The committee, Security Through Strength, will fund the infrastructure and operations allowing me to travel the country listening to Americans concerns, and gauging support for a potential presidential candidacy."
Graham was first elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1992 before winning a seat in the U.S. House two years later. In 2002, Graham was elected to the Senate, taking the seat that had been held for decades by longtime U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C.. In the Senate, Graham has often called for a muscular foreign policy, a theme he returned to on Thursday and which would be at the heart of any possible presidential bid.
Ronald Reagans policy of Peace Through Strength kept America safe during the Cold War, Graham insisted. But we will never enjoy peaceful coexistence with radical Islam because its followers are committed to destroying us and our way of life. However, America can have Security Through Strength, and I will continue to lead in that critical fight.
Graham also tackled domestic issues on Thursday. In recent years, he has tangled with the tea party movement but he easily turned back challenges from the right in the 2014 primaries.
Security Through Strength is more than just military might, Graham noted. It requires a sound and growing economy with a nation that becomes energy independent over time. It is confronting our major issues together to find solutions. Most importantly, it is protecting and promoting the values that have made America the greatest country in the world.
While he has not made a dent in the national polls, a Graham campaign could easily disrupt the primary map. As his victory in last years primary shows, Graham remains popular back home in the Palmetto State. Set up by prominent Republican strategist Lee Atwater to help his candidate then-Vice President George H.W. Bush win the nomination in 1988, the South Carolina primary, held after Iowa and New Hampshire have their say, has often played a decisive role in determining the Republican presidential nominee. In 2012, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., carried South Carolina over former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., but in 1988, 1996, 2000 and 2008, when different candidates won Iowa and New Hampshire, the Palmetto State always backed the winning nominee.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
